But goals from skipper Steven Gerrard and fellow England man Daniel Sturridge kept Chelsea in their sights as the title race enters the home straight.

The Reds' latest victory has done little to dampen fans' expectations - even if the performance was not vintage.

Here's what loyal followers have been saying after the nervy win that put them within a point of Jose Mourinho's side.

This is Anfield

Gazman summed up the views of many when he called the narrow win "a reality check, which we probably needed after all the triumphalism heaped on by the media. Performances like these put things into perspective. We are good, getting better, but a fair way from the finished product. That said, 3 points in the bag and very happy."

Many agreed that their side was holding on towards the end, in the face of a spirited finish to the game from the Sunderland players.

"Panic at the end but its all about the 3 points now," was how another fan put it.

"Don't get me wrong, I'm glad Liverpool won and every team has it's blips. But today's performance reminded me of the old Liverpool - the one we're so used to seeing - dominating possession and trying to set something up but to no avail. Our attack was toothless and I think we managed to barely squeak past. We were lucky to have not drawn the match or lose it.

The Anfield Wrap

"Few impressed," was their honest assessment of the game. "Liverpool never felt in control of the game. Johnson added ballast. Gerrard was solid but needed company. Suarez showed a thousand times. Coutinho prompted and probed and looked to find. Brave all game.

Captain marvel: Steven Gerrard was singled out for praise by the fans (Image: John Powell)

"Three points. All the points. All three of them. No dancing. No singing. No spinning. Just teeth gritted points.

"It is seven to go. We’ll take 2-1s in all seven but God knows that will hurt. It will feel against nature.

"Grit your teeth. Hold your breath. Call the lads in on the Anfield Road and God bless you for it. This is what the business looks like. It hurts and it is right it hurts. Embrace the agony. We have more to come."

Empire of the Kop

This blog labelled the win a "scare well needed" as "it was Sunderland who took the game to Liverpool in the second half.

"For me, this game came about at the right time. The bully boys of Sunderland taught Liverpool a vital lesson in not resting on your laurels."

The site, though, did also lead with the posting of a video of Liverpool fans at Anfield sing “We’re Gonna Win The League” at full time following the 2-1 win over Sunderland.